Bringing The Love of Gardening Indoors

Gardening doesn't have to just be a summertime activity. With a little preparation, you can enjoy fresh herbs and produce throughout the year! Whether you plan on having an indoor garden for the duration of the winter, or you're just looking to get a head start before your transplant your sprouts outdoors, having an indoor garden is easy and offers plenty of benefits.

When planning your indoor garden, make sure you choose your seeds wisely. Seeds that thrive with artificial light include lettuce, spinach, carrots, and herbs. Keep in mind that herbs are slow growers; you may want to start off with an established plant rather than seeds.

You can establish your own grow light system with wire shelving, shop lights, fluorescent light tubes, and a power strip with a timer. You can also purchase a pre-constructed lighting system. Be sure to set up your grow lights in a cool location to get the most out of your harvest.

Consider growing out of recycled materials like egg cartons, folded newspaper, or paper cups-- it works, and you'll be doing a little extra to help the environment. Take into account that the depth of your container depends on what you're growing. Greens typically only need about four inches, while carrots will need six inches or more.

Make sure your soil and fertilizer are organic-- you'll be eating those little seeds at a later date.

An indoor garden can improve your health in a number of ways. Plants clean the air of toxins, thus reducing the risk of headaches and respiratory problems. In addition, you can eat your food with confidence, even throughout the winter, knowing that it is free of pesticides or other harmful chemicals.